A Melbourne garden in November

This months photos feature some very healthy iris.

 
It is a bumper spring. Rain has caused the biggest and healthiest blossoms we have seen for years. From magnolias to weeping cherries to wisteria, ornamental pears, plums and crab apples – it’s been a great time to be alive. There is also a lot to do this month as it is time to prepare for the hot weather ahead and make the most of this pleasant gardening weather with the joy in knowing there is still plenty of water left in the tanks.

Staking tomatoes is a simple task that will make a big difference to yield. You see there is quite a bit of extra weight on the plant that is fruiting. If this weight is not supported, the tomato can stress and strain to hold it up. Using a soft tie that won’t cut into the plant and some trellis, stakes or a fence can make a big difference.  You could also remove some of the foliage which will improve airflow and let the plant concentrate on less production but of better quality. 

Furniture needs to be oiled at this time of year. It is the sun that bleaches out and can cause cracking. Simply paint oil on with a brush, and rub in any excess with a clean rag. If your timber is a bit grimy, give it a bit of a clean up first.  If your furniture is made of metal, apply some Penetrol to help it resist rusting. Well maintained outdoor furniture can last many years longer. 

Spring flowering bulbs that have finished flowering should have had a late feed. Now, as the foliage begins to yellow, pull them out, cut off the bulbs and store them in a brown paper bag in a cool dry place like the shed. If left in the ground, they may survive, but often get baked by the hot summer sun, never to flower again. Look out for some exciting new tulip varieties next autumn. 

A flower that loves the hot weather is the vinca. These look like impatiens, but prefer the full sun rather than the shade. They have vivid colours of white, pink and apricot and last year were a terrific performer when planted about now. Other flowers to consider now are portulaca, marigolds, petunias, geraniums and salvia – the blue salvia being a favourite. 

The best vegies for this month are zucchini, pumpkins, eggplants, and baby watermelons. They all just love the heat and will grow rapidly. Feed tomatoes and capsicums with a fertiliser higher in potassium than nitrogen, as this will ensure fruiting more than leaf growth which is what we are now after. Plant herbs and lettuce for rapid growth and maybe put in a late batch of strawberries. 

Feed roses and citrus because they will both benefit from this over the summer. Roses particularly need it to back up the flower power you have already received. Use sticky traps on citrus to catch gall wasps and Pyrethrum or Natrasoap on pesky aphids on new rose growth and fruit trees. 

Finally, let’s not take for granted the dams and tanks being fuller than last year. I still treat water with respect and will never forget how low our supplies can go. Teach your children and grandchildren about its worth, and continue the good practice of mulching around your garden to minimise evaporation and use much less water in keeping your plants alive – you might even suppress a few of those wretched weeds at the same time. 

Comments

[garden design sydney]

Amazing! Melbourne has an excellent selection of parks and gardens. These parks include a number of impressive national parks, many mature trees and shrubs, native wildlife and picnic areas and thanks for the information about November gardening. This is the time to prepare for the hot weather ahead and make the most of this pleasant gardening weather with lots of joy.